Read Michael’s column

What’s more, you also get Iwan Roberts’ weekly thoughts in the same edition of the paper – so two Canary columns for the price of one.

There was nothing worthy of credit for Alex Neil’s men as they were turned over at Bournemouth, meaning City have lost both trips to their newly promoted Premier League companions this season – as well as their festive momentum.

And with Carrow Road visits from Champions League-chasing Liverpool and Tottenham next, such defeats as Saturdays seem destined to force changes.

“I think whenever you lose, you will think like that and fear for your place,” said Jonny Howson. “The bottom line is it’s up to the manager but we need everyone pulling in the same direction, which we have been.

“If you’re putting in everything you’ve got, then you can’t ask any more of yourself. That’s something I try to do and we have got a good bunch of lads.

“We have to be confident we can bounce back because if there isn’t that confidence, there’s no point in us turning up.

“Saturday was a bad day at the office. No team in the world hasn’t had one of those. So we have to react to it.”

With growing weekend speculation Norwich can pull-off the signings of Wolfsburg centre-back Timm Klose and Everton forward Steven Naismith, along with new arrival Ivo Pinto waiting in the wings, Alex Neil’s options for change could just as easily come through the transfer window as shuffling around his current personnel.

Either way, the City manager’s even keel following such a disappointing loss remains the best approach, as far as Howson is concerned.

“I’d say it will be very constructive,” added Howson. “We’ll go in on Monday after a day or two to let the emotions settle a little bit, and that’s maybe the best time you can pick through it.

“I once got told when I was younger by a coach you should try to keep that level head – when you win, don’t get too carried away with yourself and when you lose, not get too down in the dumps.

“It can be hard at times because as we all know, it’s an emotional game and the bottom line is we all want to do well and we all want to succeed.

“When you don’t get that sometimes, it is a natural feeling of disappointment. But there’s a long way to go and still points to play for. We’ve got to turn our attentions to Liverpool on Saturday.”

@Surrey, agreed. Consistency is the key to survival which we're lacking. The bottom line however is that our team is generally Championship level players. Players who are more consistent and at a Premier League level cost a lot of money in wages. On paper we should have at least got a draw against Stoke and Bournemouth. Hopefully Klose, Naismith and a couple of other additions may help. We need a few seasoned pro's to help steady the ship. To which we can add in some young prospects. Personally I'd bring Hooper back in to the first team until the end of the season. He's scoring goals and back to match fitness. In my eyes he's probably the best striker we currently have on our books.